Whitecaps' Robles hasn't allowed a run at home

COMSTOCK PARK -- You can't blame Mauricio Robles for wanting to stay close to home.

The West Michigan Whitecaps pitcher has had his difficulties pitching away from Fifth Third Ballpark. But put him on the mound at home and he's outstanding. Actually, Robles has been even better than that. He's been literally perfect.

Robles hasn't given up a run -- earned or otherwise -- in nine home games, covering 39 2/3 innings. That's a perfect 0.00 ERA that ranges from his first four-inning outing on May 16 to seven shutout innings against Cedar Rapids on July 23.

It's not like Robles' string has been built with an inning here or there. In five of his nine games at Fifth Third Ballpark, he's gone at least four innings.

In his 10 outings on the road, Robles has a 6.46 ERA in 30 2/3 innings.

Robles, a 19-year-old native of Venezuela, said if had the answers, he'd probably pitch better on the road. But he can offer only guesswork in trying to figure out why he's been virtually untouchable at home while enduring rocky showings on the road.

His best guess is that the large crowds at Fifth Third Ballpark get his juices flowing.

"I have more confidence here because of the fan support," said Robles, a 5-foot-10, 160-pound left-hander who is scheduled to start Wednesday's home game against Lansing. "I know that helps me the most. I feel like I'm pitching for them."

Whatever the reason, Robles, who entered 2008 3-7 with a 3.28 ERA in his first two pro seasons, has shattered a West Michigan record for success at home. The previous record was 27 straight scoreless innings at home from Calvin Chipperfield in 2001. The next highest marks are 25 2/3 innings from Craig Quintal in 1997 and 23 2/3 innings from Jon Connolly in 2003.

Like many pitchers, Robles said the park's pitcher-friendly dimensions play a part in his success. Pitchers feel like they can better challenge hitters with fastballs that wind up only as long outs as opposed to 310-foot homers.

"I feel more confident at home," he said. "I can challenge hitters here because it's a bigger park. You can give up fly balls. You're more careful as a pitcher in smaller ballparks."

While Robles is content with how he's pitched at home, he's not satisfied with giving up 22 earned runs in less than 31 innings on the road.

To a large part, Robles has hurt himself on the road. He's walked 35 batters there as opposed to just 14 at home. Opponents are batting .117 off him at home.

"I haven't really pitched well on the road," he said. "I know I need to do a better job on the road."